News Brief

11/28/2012, Kislev 14, 5773

Spain, Switzerland to Support PA Statehood Bid

Spain and Switzerland have decided to join France in voting on behalf of the Palestinian Authority’s impending request to be recognized as a state by the United Nations. Spanish officials said they believe the move is “the best way to move toward peace.”

Israeli leaders have warned that the move is likely to set back the peace process by making the PA even less willing to negotiate. PA Chairman Mahmoud Abbas currently refuses to negotiate until Israel meets several of his demands, including a full construction freeze in communities east of the 1949 armistice line that Israel hopes to include in its territory in a peace deal.